Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer was one inning away from having a historically bad night.
In the eighth inning of World Series Game 1 against the New York Mets on Tuesday, Hosmer, a two-time Gold Glove winner, botched a routine ground ball chopped off the bat of Wilmer Flores. Juan Lagares scored on the play to give the Mets the go-ahead run and a 4-3 lead and for many, it seemed like Game 1 would be handed to the Mets.
The gaffe drew instant comparisons to former Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner and his infamous five-hole fielding error against the Mets in the 1986 World Series, which essentially cost the Red Sox the championship.
Hosmer got his redemption in extra innings, but first, he needed his teammates' help to get there. He got it in the form of Royals outfielder Alex Gordon, who crushed a 97 MPH fastball off of Mets closer Jeurys Familia to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Hosmer really needed a "fucking hug" after Gordon lifted the Buckner-sized burden from his shoulders.
In the 14th inning, Hosmer got his shot at redemption and took it. With the bases loaded, Hosmer hit a fly ball far enough to bring home the winning run on a sac fly.
SAC FLY BAT FLIP TIME.
That's the look of a man who's righted his wrongs. Game 2 of the World Series will happen Wednesday night in Kansas City.
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